Princethorpe College proudly celebrates the one-year anniversary of our state-of-the-art Science Centre, a hub of innovation that has reshaped scientific education for our pupils since its official opening in September last year. Designed to inspire and empower, this 1,800-square-metre facility features ten cutting-edge laboratories, dedicated prep rooms, and dynamic breakout spaces - all meticulously crafted to enrich teaching and learning experiences.

In its inaugural year, the Science Centre has become an epicenter of academic exploration at Princethorpe. Pupils from all years and from all the Foundation;s schools have thrived, with access to advanced resources and modern infrastructure, fostering hands-on experimentation, collaborative projects, and interdisciplinary learning. From Biology and Chemistry to Physics, the Centre has provided a robust platform for pupils to engage in their studies, deepen their knowledge and ignite their passion for scientific inquiry.

"The Science Centre has fundamentally transformed our approach to science education," remarks Grove du Toit, Headmaster at Princethorpe College. "It has not only expanded our capacity to offer a cutting-edge curriculum, but has also ignited a new level of enthusiasm among our pupils. They are engaged, curious, and eager to explore the vast possibilities that Science offers for their future."

This transformative impact would not have been possible without the generous support of you, our donors, whose contributions made the Science Centre a reality. Your investment ensures that Princethorpe College continues its mission to provide exceptional facilities that prepare our pupils for success in a rapidly evolving world.

During the opening ceremony last year, attendees were inspired by keynote speaker, Yewande Akinola MBE, whose passion for engineering and innovation deeply resonated with pupils and staff. Her call to embrace creativity and curiosity continues to shape Princethorpe's scientific educational philosophy, underscoring the Centre's pivotal role in nurturing future scientific leaders.

Among the many transformative contributions, we highlight one particular donation: the naming of the Bruce Townsend Laboratory. This dedication pays tribute to Bruce Townsend, a distinguished figure in Chemical Engineering and a former parent with a grandson currently attending Princethorpe College.

Born on 25 July 1929, Bruce Townsend was a pioneering student of Chemical Engineering at University College London in the 1950s. His career was distinguished by groundbreaking contributions at Courtaulds, where he played a pivotal role in advancing man-made fibers and developing innovative products like Alginate, revolutionizing wound care.

The Bruce Townsend Lab stands as a testament to his legacy, offering an advanced platform for hands-on experiments, research, and collaborative learning. It embodies our commitment to nurturing young minds and instilling a profound appreciation for science among our pupils.

By attaching Bruce Townsend's name to this laboratory, we honour his enduring impact on Chemical Engineering and his unwavering belief in the power of scientific exploration. This lab represents our dedication to equipping pupils with the tools they need to excel in the scientific realm and serves as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.

As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to all donors and supporters who made the Science Centre a reality. Together, we eagerly anticipate continuing our journey of educational excellence and scientific discovery at Princethorpe College.